Myanmar's military has imposed martial law across more districts around the country following the deadliest day of protests since February's coup.

Protesters are demanding the release of ousted civilian leader Aung San Kyi.

She heads the National League for Democracy (NLD) which saw a landslide victory in elections last November.

The military detained most of the NLD leadership after the coup, alleging voter fraud. No proof has been provided.

Ms Suu Kyi has been held at an unknown location since the 1 February coup. She is due to face a slew of charges her supporters say are fabricated.

On Monday, she was due to appear in court, but the virtual hearing was adjourned due to internet problems.

The military initially declared martial law in two districts of Yangon (Rangoon), the country's largest city, on Sunday after Chinese businesses were attacked.

Martial law was imposed in several other areas of Yangon and Mandalay on Monday. Protesters there can now be tried in military courts.

Protesters believe China is giving support to the military in Myanmar (also called Burma) but it is unclear who was behind the weekend attacks.

Most of Sunday's casualties were reported in Yangon.

More than 120 protesters have been killed

In total, more than 120 protesters have been killed during the crackdown, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) monitoring group.

On Monday there were fresh protests in Mandalay and a number of other locations. Casualties were reported after security forces opened fire on protesters in the central towns of Myingyan and Aunglan.

Mistrust of China

It is not clear who targeted Chinese-funded factories in Myanmar.

China says the attacks were well planned, with the vandals arriving on motorbikes with weapons and petrol. Some protesters have denied they were involved.

But there is widespread anti-China sentiment in Myanmar because of a belief that Beijing is helping the military government there.

This has been partly fuelled by Beijing's refusal to offer outright condemnation of the coup.

Initially, Chinese state-run media described it as a simple "cabinet reshuffle".

This taps into a deeper mistrust of China in Myanmar. Some Chinese-funded projects in recent years - including a proposed dam and a copper mine - have been controversial because they appeared to give Beijing unwelcome influence.

In the past, China has also seen its image suffer because it has been close to the Burmese army.

China presents itself as an honest broker that supports neither side. For the protesters, that is not an acceptable position.

What is Ms Suu Kyi charged with?

The ousted civilian leader is facing charges including "fear and alarm", illegally possessing radio equipment, and breaking Covid rules.

The charges against Ms Suu Kyi carry sentences of several years in jail and could also lead to her being barred from running in future elections if convicted.

Ousted MPs call for 'Revolution'

Some of the ousted MPs have refused to accept last month's coup and have gone into hiding, forming a new group, the CRPH, or Committee for Representing the Union Parliament.

In his first public address, their leader Mahn Win Khaing Than urged protesters over the weekend to defend themselves against the military crackdown during what he called a "revolution".

"This is the darkest moment of the nation and the moment that the dawn is close," he said, adding: "The uprising must win."

The military considers the CRPH illegal, warning that anyone co-operating with them will face treason charges.